PSIR Optional · Paper II · Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations
Approaches to the Study of International Relations Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for Approaches to the Study of International Relations (Paper II, Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Idealist, realist, Marxist, functionalist and systems theory.
47
Solved answers
1991–2026
Years covered
53
Questions listed
12
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Free notes Previous year questions Solved answers All PSIR Optional units
Paper II · Unit 05
Approaches to the Study of International Relations notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
Free notes
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Constructivist, Feminist, Postmodern and Postcolonial Approaches to International Relations
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Evolution of International Relations Theory
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Feminism in International Politics
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Functionalist Approach to International Relations
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Idealist and Liberal Approaches to International Relations
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Introduction to International Relations
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Liberalism school
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Marxist Approaches to International Relations
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Positivist Approaches to International Politics
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Realist Approach to International Relations
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Social Constructivism
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Systems Theory and Scientific Approaches to International Relations
Free practice
Previous year questions: Approaches to the Study of International Relations
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: Approaches to the Study of International Relations
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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Answer in about 150 words: What role does identity and technology play in the conceptualisation of Defensive realism?
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Theories of international relations which claim objectivity inevitably harbour subjective biases. Elucidate.
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Neo-liberalism lightened neo-realism’s dark view of international politics. Comment.
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Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance.
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‘The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power.” Comment.
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Explain the central tenets of the World-Systems Theory.
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What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism?
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In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?
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What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world?
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Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics.
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Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets.
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“Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era.” Comment.
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“The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency.” Explain.
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Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization.
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Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz.
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Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations.
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What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country’s soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics.
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Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism.
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Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations.
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Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War?
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“Morton A. Kaplan’s system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach.” Comment.
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Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from ‘Billiard Ball Model’ to ‘Cobweb Model’.
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Examine major principles of State centric world views.
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Write a note on Intellectual precursors of Realism.
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How does Marxist approach explain contemporary International Relations?
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‘Building ‘peace by pieces’ is the basis of functionalism’. Elaborate.
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What are the great debates between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions?
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Does the perspective of Dependency Theory offer a robust critique on the nature of mainstream development process taking place in Africa and Latin America?
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Do you agree that liberal international theories are essentially ‘Eurocentric’ and not necessarily imperialist?
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Explain the uses of systems approach in international relations and examine the relevance of Kaplan’s system analysis.
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Examine the post- modernist critique of Realism in international politics.
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What are the major critiques of liberal internationalism?
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Discuss the realist and neo-realist approaches to the study of International relations.
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Do you agree with the notion that Marxist approach to the study of International relations is largely based on economic reductionism? Give reasons.
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Analyse and evaluate the role of decision-making theory as a tool of foreign policy analysis.
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Comment: Game Theory for the study of International Politics and its limitations.
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Discuss the Systems Approach to the Study of International Relations.
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Clearly explain Realist Theory to the study of International Politics.
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Comment: Traditional approach and its significance.
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Comment: Marxist approach to international politics.
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“The decision-making is only a partial theory of international politics.” Critically examine the above statement.
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Examine the explanatory potential of Kaplan’s systems theory in explaining the phenomenon of international politics in the present context.
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Comment: Neo-Colonialism.
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Comment: Cultural Imperialism.
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“Realism as an approach to international relations helps to explain why states fight are threaten each other, but it is less effective in explaining much of the cooperative behaviour we see … ” Comment.
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“The traditional principle of sovereignty which plays a central role in the foreign policies of all states, is now increasingly counteracted by the growing facts of interdependence…” Discuss.
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Discuss, with illustrations, the way decision making is influenced by the external and internal environment as perceived by the decision maker.
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| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
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Other units in Paper II · Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- State in Comparative Perspective
- Politics of Representation and Participation
- Globalisation
- Key Concepts in International Relations
- Changing International Political Order
- Evolution of the International Economic System
- United Nations
- Regionalisation of World Politics
- Contemporary Global Concerns